Reference in ‘composite artworks’: artworks that are/were connected, such as alterpieces, decorative pieces incorporated in panelling, and works of art that were intended to be displayed together, such as pendants and series.

rectangle (landscape format) 363 x 438 cm
When the painting was transferred from the Kloveniersdoelen to the Townhall it was cut down severely on the righthand side to fit into the Small Council of War Chamber. On the other sides smaller strips were also trimmed (Corpus of Rembrandt Paintings 1982-, vol. 3 (1989), no. A 146).

Signature/inscription

Information about the signature, dating, inscription or any other mark on the front or back of the art work

The copy of Lundens reproduces the original painting of Rembrandt for the greater part in its original form, before the latter was cut down in size (Corpus of Rembrandt Paintings 1982-, vol. 3 (1989), no. A 146).

1642 - 1715 1642 is the date on the painting. It was first mentioned in the Kloveniersdoelen in 1653 by Gerrit Schaep in his 'Memorie ende Lijste van de publieke Schilderijen op de 3 Doelens bewaert wordende: soo als Ick die gevonden hebbe, na mijn wederkomste tot Aemsteldam in Februarij 1653' (Strauss/Van der Meulen 1979). In 1715 the painting was tranferred to the Small Council of War Chamber in the Townhall.

Gemeente Amsterdam, Amsterdam , inv./cat.nr SA 7392

1715 - In 1715 the painting was transferred from the Kloveniersdoelen to the Townhall on Dam square.

The RKD manages a collection of technical documentation that has been given to us by external researchers and museums or which stems from the RKD's own research with infrared reflectography. Documentation can be accessed by appointment at the RKD. While not all technical documentation has been entered in the database at present, new data is added on a regular basis.

conservation, 1945 — 1947 12 hitsinvolved_persons: Hendricus Hubertus Mertens; Christiaan Hendrik JennerIn 1945-1947 the painting was relined for the first time since 1851. Part of the old varnish was removed and the painting was revarnished. These procedures were carried out by H. H. Mertens and C. H. Jenner, restorer and reliner of the Rijksmuseum respectively. Literature about the treatment: Van Schendel/Mertens 1947, p. 1-52 and Van Duijn/Filedt Kok 2016, p. 117-128.

conservation, 1975 5 hitsinvolved_persons: Luitsen Kuiper; Simon LevieRestoration after the painting was damaged by someone with a knife; literature about the treatment: Kuiper/Hesterman 1976, p. 14-51 and Van Duijn/Filedt Kok 2016, p. 125-128; There is also a television documentary by Gerard van den Berg about the treatment called 'De Nachtwacht onder 't mes' ('The Night Watch under the knife'). This film is accessible via http://www.npo.nl/de-nachtwacht-onder-t-mes/11-09-2014/WO_NCRV_625491.